Eagle Dining recently provided USM students with a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Panda Express dining location. Eagle Dining’s mission is to create community-style events that open up inclusivity and fun. This sense of community is central to the university’s dining services, which aim to provide more than just food by fostering a welcoming and engaging campus culture.
Hailey Perkins, a USM student, attended the event and described it as inviting and community-oriented, noting how the event brought students together. When asked about her favorite item from the menu, she excitedly responded, “the RICE!” She also commented on the lively atmosphere, noting that the Panda Express tasting was enthusiastic and inviting. She believes that Panda Express will be a popular choice on campus, given USM’s diverse student population.
“USM hosts a lot of international students, and opening the door to more variety, like Asian food, will appeal to more students and increase engagement with future developments,” she added.
Eagle Dining’s Marketing Manager, Mrs. Stephanie Patterson, was pleased with the turnout at the tasting event.
“It went well past our expectations,” she shared. “We didn’t do a full head count, but I know we had around 50 people in line before 11:30, and we actually started five minutes early.”
The menu for the tasting event included fan-favorites like fried rice, Mongolian beef, and the ever-popular orange chicken.
Patterson confirmed that the official Panda Express opening is slated for later this fall, though construction is still ongoing. Students can stay updated on progress through Eagle Dining’s Instagram account and via signage around campus.
“Students are excited and can’t wait for the opening,” Patterson said.
She is confident that Panda Express will become a hotspot on campus once it officially opens, thanks to its central location and popular menu. Additionally, she hinted at future events at the Panda Express location, similar to those previously held at the original Southern Wing Company at the Power House. Until then, Eagle Dining will continue hosting events at Seymour’s.
As for the possibility of future tasting events for new dining locations, Patterson was enthusiastic.
“Yes, it was very well received, and we will do it again,” she said.
The success of the Panda Express tasting event marks a promising start for this addition to USM’s dining options, and students are eagerly awaiting the grand opening later this fall.